Public Statements

Press Release

Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-4), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, applauds U.S. House approval of the National Defense Authorization Act, which will promote America's national security aims while better protecting our men and women protecting our freedoms and liberties.

"The 2012 defense bill passed by the House will ensure that our troops deployed throughout the world will have the equipment, resources, and the training they need to successfully complete their missions," said Hartzler. "It also provides our brave men and women in uniform and their families with the resources and support they have earned."

"The bill also serves the American taxpayer," Hartzler said. "It mandates fiscal responsibility, transparency, and accountability within the Department of Defense and promotes competition for every dollar associated with Defense Department funding."

"In addition, the defense bill strengthens policies and procedures used to prosecute and detain terrorists," added Hartzler. "It does this by affirming that the U.S. is in armed conflict with al-Qaida and the Taliban and affirming U.S. authority to detain certain individuals until the end of hostilities. It then protects Americans by prohibiting funding to bring Guantanamo terrorist suspects to the United States."

The $690 billion defense bill includes $49 million in military construction for a Vehicle Maintenance Facility at Fort Leonard Wood and almost $5 million in military construction for a Weapons Storage Area Security Control Facility at Whiteman Air Force Base. The Air Force will also benefit from $40 million in Air Force funds for vital national security needs. The bill now heads to the Senate for its consideration.